Guide to Admiral John G. Walker Collection of Family Papers

Collection Summary

Title: Admiral John G. Walker Collection of Family Papers
Call Number: MS 74-40
Size: 3.5 linear feet
Acquisition: Purchased in 1974
Processed by: DAO, 11/1974; Reprocessed by: SMC, 3/1998


Literary Rights

Literary rights were granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Content Note

The collection of Admiral John G. Walker Family Papers contains correspondence from 1865, when John Walker became engaged to Rebecca Pickering, to Walker's death in 1907. During this period from 1865 to 1907 Walker was assigned as an instructor to Annapolis, served as Chief of the Navigation Board, was secretary, then chairman, of the lighthouse board, and was also a member of the Nicaragua Canal Commission and the president of the Isthmian Canal Commission. The correspondence from Walker to his wife, Rebecca, was written while he was on a cruise to South America. Also contained in the collection are letters from H. W. Pickering, Elizabeth P. Grimes (Mrs. James W. Grimes), Admiral David Porter, and Joseph Henry. The topics covered in this collection encompass a wide range, including; Walker family matters, the Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson, the Estate of James W. Grimes, the Schley Affair, and the Isthmian Canal Commission. Miscellaneous memorabilia such as various home remedies, and some materials dealing with Jesse James, the Younger Brothers and a bank hold-up in Minnesota are also an integral part of the collection.

Administrative History

Not available.

Series Listing

Series 1 Box 1 FF 1-9 Letters from John Walker to wife, Rebecca Pickering Walker.
Series 2 Box 1 FF 10-12 Letters from John Walker to family members.
Series 3 Box 1 FF 13-27 - Box 3 FF 1-9 Letters from Rebecca P. Walker to her husband, John Walker.
Series 4 Box 3 FF 10-21 Letters to John Walker from his father-in-law and financial advisor, Henry White Pickering
Series 5 Box 3 FF 22-34 Other correspondence and memorabilia concerning H. W. Pickering.
Series 6 Box 4 FF 1-22 Letters from Elizabeth P. Grimes to her nephew, John Walker.
Series 7 Box 4 FF 23-35 Other correspondence to Jane Pratt (Mrs. Octavious Pickering)
Series 8 Box 5 FF 1-12 Letters of Admiral David Porter to John Walker.
Series 9 Box 5 FF 13-26 Letters of Mary O. Pickering to John and Rebecca Walker.
Series 10 Box 5 FF 27-33 Letters from Mrs. Frances Goddard Pickering (H.W. Pickering's wife and Rebecca's mother) to John Walker and others.
Series 11 Box 5 FF 34-40 Letters of Lyman Cook, Executor of the James Grimes Estate to John Walker and other materials concerned with the estate.
Series 12 Box 6 FF 1-20 Other correspondence to John Walker.
Series 13 Box 6 FF 21-28 Family correspondence with Fannie Walker Thomas.
Series 14 Box 6 FF 29-43 Other correspondence of Rebecca P. Walker.
Series 15 Box 7 FF 1-5 Letters from Sarah Grimes to John Walker.
Series 16 Box 7 FF 6-10 Letters of Joseph Henry (Smithsonian Institute) to John Walker.
Series 17 Box 7 FF 11-18 Correspondence of the Walker children with their uncle and grandfather.
Series 18 Box 7 FF 19-22 Other memorabilia dealing with Harry G. Pickering.
Series 19 Box 7 FF 23-42 - Box 10 Other materials.
 

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1 -- Letters from John Walker to wife, Rebecca Pickering Walker
     
Box 1 FF 1-9 Letters from John Walker to wife, Rebecca Pickering Walker, December 8, 1865-April 13, 1894
 
Series 2 -- Letters from John Walker to family members
     
Box 1 FF 10 April 20, 1873. John Walker to his aunt, Elizabeth P. Grimes (wife of Senator James W. Grimes).
Box 1 FF 11 November 10, 1898. John Walker to son-in-law Dr. John Jenks Thomas.
Box 1 FF 12 May 10, 1902. John Walker to daughter Fanny concerning Admiral Sampson's funeral.
 
Series 3 -- Letters from Rebecca P. Walker to husband John Walker
     
Box 1 FF 13-27 Letters from Rebecca P. Walker to husband John Walker. May 30, 1865-October 2, 1867.
Box 2 FF 1-19 Letters from Rebecca P. Walker to husband John Walker. June 4, 1868-June 16, 1869
Box 2 FF 20 Envelopes
Box 3 FF 1-9 Letters from Rebecca P. Walker to husband John Walker. July 11, 1869-September 12, 1872
 
Series 4 -- Letters to John Walker from his father-in-law and financial advisor, Henry White Pickering
     
Box 3 FF 10 December 27, 1866. H. W. Pickering to John Walker, along with a handbill on Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
Box 3 FF 11 September 15-November 3, 1868. H. W. Pickering to John Walker.
Box 3 FF 12 September 22, 1868. H. W. Pickering to John Walker. A telegram announcing the birth of son, James.
Box 3 FF 13-21 Letters to John Walker from his father-in-law and financial advisor, Henry White Pickering. August 16, 1872-June 26, 1877
 
Series 5 -- Other correspondence and memorabilia concerning H. W. Pickering.
     
Box 3 FF 22 July 12, 1812. B. R. Nichols to H. W. Pickering concerning the War of 1812.
Box 3 FF 23-24 B. R. Nichols to H. W. Pickering. October 4, 1826-December 4, 1826
Box 3 FF 25 March 14, 1849. Henry W. Torrey to H. W. Pickering concerning Rebecca's admittance to Bedford Hall School.
Box 3 FF 26 January 19-March 3, 1888. H. W. Pickering to daughter Rebecca Pickering Walker.
Box 3 FF 27 1934. H. W. Pickering -- Papers relating to School Years at Cambridge.
Box 3 FF 28 1868. Listing of John Walker's financial transactions with H. W. Pickering.
Box 3 FF 29 August 16, 1872-January 17, 1873. H. W. Pickering -- Prices and sales at the Boston Stock Exchange.
Box 3 FF 30 H. W. Pickering financial statement. (n.d.)
Box 3 FF 31 News clippings on the selection of H. W. Pickering as president of the Old Boston Bank. (n.d.)
Box 3 FF 32 The Corbin Banking Company agricultural loans. (n.d.)
Box 3 FF 33 Funded debt loan of the Eastern Railroad Company of Massachusetts. (n.d.)
Box 3 FF 34 News clipping concerning the death of H. W. Pickering. (n.d.)
 
Series 6 -- Letters from Elizabeth P. Grimes to her nephew, John Walker
     
Box 4 FF 1-2 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker. December 6, 1865-August 16, 1866
Box 4 FF 3-4 May 16, 1868 and October 27, 1868. Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker concerning the illness of James W. Grimes.
Box 4 FF 5-6 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker. August 17, 1869-February 5, 1870.
Box 4 FF 7 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker with references to the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson.
Box 4 FF 8-9 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker. April 3, 1872-November 12, 1872.
Box 4 FF 10-12 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker with references to the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson. September 23, 1872-April 8, 1873.
Box 4 FF 13 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker with news clippings of the lawsuit against Credit Mobilier in which James Grimes was a defendant. May 27, 1873.
Box 4 FF 14-15 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker. January 17, 1873-December 12, 1873.
Box 4 FF 16 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker concerning lawsuit filed against Credit Mobilier. June 4, 1873.
Box 4 FF 17-22 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to John Walker. June 9, 1974-May 2, 1879.
 
Series 7 -- Other correspondence to Jane Pratt (Mrs. Octavious Pickering)
 
Box 4 FF 23 Correspondence from M. A. Wood to Jane Pratt. February 2, 1836.
Box 4 FF 24 Correspondence from H. Winter to Jane Pratt. February through August, 1836.
Box 4 FF 25 Correspondence from Thomas Pratt to Jane Pratt. 1835-1836.
Box 4 FF 26 Correspondence from William Hodgson to Jane Pratt. January 20, 1836.
Box 4 FF 27 Correspondence from Thomas Pratt to Jane Pratt. March 17-September 22, 1836.
Box 4 FF 28 Correspondence from D. Meyrick to Jane Pratt. May 11, 1836.
Box 4 FF 29 Correspondence from S. P. Pratt to Jane Pratt. February 21, 1838.
Box 4 FF 30-32 Correspondence from Charlotte Wright to Jane Pratt. July 23, 1835-April 29, 1836.
Box 4 FF 33 Correspondence from Mary Winter to Jane Pratt. February through August, 1836.
Box 4 FF 34 Correspondence from H. Heidelbourg to her sister, Mrs. Jane Pratt Pickering.
Box 4 FF 35 Other letters to Jane Pratt Pickering.
 
Series 8 -- Letters of Admiral David Porter to John Walker
 
Box 5 FF 1 Correspondence from David D. Porter to John Walker. June 11, 1863.
Box 5 FF 2 Correspondence from David D. Porter to John Walker concerning the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson. July 18, 1868.
Box 5 FF 3-4 Correspondence from David D. Porter to John Walker. September 2, 1870-January 16, 1871.
Box 5 FF 5 Correspondence from David D. Porter to John Walker concerning the death of James W. Grimes. March 11, 1872.
Box 5 FF 6-12 Correspondence from David D. Porter to John Walker. March 22, 1872-October 13, 1888.
 
Series 9 -- Letters of Mary O. Pickering to John and Rebecca Walker
 
Box 5 FF 13-18 Correspondence from Mary Pickering to John Walker. September 2, 1868-June 9, 1895.
Box 5 FF 19-24 Correspondence from Mary Pickering to niece Rebecca Pickering (Walker). June 2, 1857-July 22, 1858.
Box 5 FF 25 Correspondence from Mary O. Pickering to her brother H. W. Pickering. October 13, 1857-February 5, 1858.
Box 5 FF 26 Correspondence from Mary O. Pickering to her niece Fanny Pickering. February 5, 1858.
 
Series 10 -- Letters from Mrs. Frances Goddard Pickering (H. W. Pickering's wife and Rebecca's mother) to John Walker and others.
 
Box 5 FF 27-28 Correspondence from Mrs. H. W. Pickering to John Walker. July 2, 1865 - May 12, 1867.
Box 5 FF 29 Correspondence from Mrs. H. W. Pickering to John Walker concerning the birth of a baby boy, James G. Walker. September 23-28, 1868
Box 5 FF 30 Correspondence from Mrs. H. W. Pickering to John Walker. January 6, 1876.
Box 5 FF 31 Correspondence from Nathaniel Goddard to his daughter Frances D. Goddard (Pickering). May 5, 1835.
Box 5 FF 32 Correspondence from Mrs. L. Goddard to daughters with note from Frances to her sister. August 30, 1835.
Box 5 FF 33 Correspondence from Mrs. H. W. Pickering to one of the Walker children. October 31, 1868.
 
Series 11 -- Letters of Lyman Cook, Executor of the James Grimes Estate to John Walker and other materials concerned with the estate.
 
Box 5 FF 34-37 Correspondence from Lyman Cook to John Walker concerning the estate of James Grimes. January 30, 1874-February 2, 1879.
Box 5 FF 38 Copies of the settlement of cash agreement portion of the James Grimes estate. 1874.
Box 5 FF 39 Memorandums of the financial holdings of James W. Grimes at the time of his death.
Box 5 FF 40 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to her daughter, Mary concerning the estate of James W. Grimes. December 12, 1873.
 
Series 12 -- Other correspondence to John Walker
 
Box 6 FF 1 Correspondence from Janus McBride to John Walker. February 5, 1864.
Box 6 FF 2 Correspondence from Carrie to John Walker. April 2, 1864.
Box 6 FF 3 Correspondence from H. W. Fuller to John Walker. July 1, 1865.
Box 6 FF 4 Correspondence from Ella Holbrook to John Walker congratulating him on his engagement to Rebecca Pickering. July 5, 1865.
Box 6 FF 5 Correspondence from W. A. Kirkland to John Walker concerning the Washburn and Lapey affair in Paraguay. September 28, 1868.
Box 6 FF 6 Correspondence from W. J. Sathneider to John Walker. November 22, 1868.
Box 6 FF 7 Correspondence from L. S. Barnes to John Walker. November 28, 1868.
Box 6 FF 8 Correspondence from W. A. Kirkland to John Walker. March 29, 1869.
Box 6 FF 9 Correspondence from George Dewey to John Walker. May 17, 1869.
Box 6 FF 10 Correspondence from S. R. Bartlett to John Walker. April, 1872-February, 1873.
Box 6 FF 11 Correspondence from Thomas Oliver Selfridge to John Walker. February 16, 1875.
Box 6 FF 12 Correspondence from Lyman Bass to John Walker. November 10, 1875.
Box 6 FF 13-14 Correspondence from Daniel Ammen to John Walker. December 28, 1875-November 5, 1878.
Box 6 FF 15 Correspondence from George Dewey to John Walker. November 11, 1878.
Box 6 FF 16 Correspondence from Spencer Baird to John Walker. November 1, 1881.
Box 6 FF 17 Correspondence from J. H. Gallinger to John Walker. June 22, 1905.
Box 6 FF 18 Correspondence from Admiral W. G. Sampson to John Walker. December 14.
Box 6 FF 19-20 Other correspondence with John Walker. 1864-1889.
 
Series 13 -- Family Correspondence with Fannie Walker Thomas
 
Box 6 FF 21 Correspondence from Dr. John Jenks Thomas to John Walker. October, 1898.
Box 6 FF 22 Correspondence from Fannie Walker to mother, Rebecca Pickering Walker. October, 1898.
Box 6 FF 23-24 Correspondence from Mrs. Fannie Walker Thomas to husband Dr. John Jenks Thomas. July -November 1, 1901
Box 6 FF 25-27 Correspondence from Betty Thomas to father, Dr. John Jenks Thomas. August 21, 1923-March 20, 1931.
Box 6 FF 28 Correspondence from Harry Thomas to his grandmother, Rebecca P. Walker. July-August, 1922.
 
Series 14 -- Other correspondence of Rebecca P. Walker
 
Box 6 FF 29 Correspondence from Mrs. Jane Pratt Pickering to Rebecca Pickering (Walker). May 11, 1845.
Box 6 FF 30 Correspondence from James W. Grimes to Rebecca Walker. September 26, 1868.
Box 6 FF 31 Correspondence from Darrin Porter to Mrs. John Walker concerning the "mutiny" on Sabine. September 13, 1869.
Box 6 FF 32 Correspondence from Elizabeth P. Grimes to Rebecca Walker concerning the monument on James W. Grimes' grave. November, 1874.
Box 6 FF 33 Correspondence from Spencer Baird to Mrs. John Walker. February 15, 1882.
Box 6 FF 34-36 Correspondence from Rebecca P. Walker to father, H. W. Pickering. March 8, 1885-January 26, 1886.
Box 6 FF 37-38 Correspondence from Rebecca P. Walker to her brother, Harry G. Pickering. February 2, 1886-June 13, 1886.
Box 6 FF 39 Correspondence from Rebecca P. Walker to daughter, Fannie. November, 1889.
Box 6 FF 40 Correspondence from Samuel Tasco to Mrs. John Walker concerning the death of her husband. September, 1907.
Box 6 FF 41 Correspondence concerning the death of John Walker. 1907.
Box 6 FF 42 Correspondence from Rebecca P. Walker to miscellaneous friends.
Box 6 FF 43 Correspondence from H. W. Fuller, Jr. to Rebecca Pickering (Walker). 1861.
 
Series 15 -- Letters from Sarah Grimes to John Walker.
 
Box 7 FF 1-5 Correspondence from Sarah Grimes to John Walker. June 18, 1871-December 31, 1874.
 
Series 16 -- Letters of Joseph Henry (Smithsonian Institute) to John Walker.
 
Box 7 FF 6-9 Correspondence from Joseph Henry to John Walker. June 12, 1873-January 11, 1878.
Box 7 FF 10 Letters of introduction from Joseph Henry to John Walker.
 
Series 17 -- Correspondence of the Walker children with their uncle and grandfather
 
Box 7 FF 11 Correspondence from James W. G. Walker to Harry G. Pickering, his uncle. April 27, 1885.
Box 7 FF 12 Correspondence from Susan Walker to her uncle, Harry G. Pickering. December 21, 1885.
Box 7 FF 13 Correspondence from James W. G. Walker to his uncle, Harry G. Pickering. December 28, 1885.
Box 7 FF 14 Correspondence from Fannie Walker to uncle, Harry G. Pickering. April 27, 1885.
Box 7 FF 15 Correspondence from Fannie Walker to uncle, Harry G. Pickering. May 3-February 11, 1886.
Box 7 FF 16 Correspondence from the Walker children to their grandfather, H. W. Pickering. January 1-January 10, 1886.
Box 7 FF 17 Correspondence from Fannie Walker to grandfather, H. W. Pickering. February 26, 1886.
Box 7 FF 18 Invitations for Fannie Walker to attend various social functions. 1895.
 
Series 18 -- Other memorabilia dealing with Harry G. Pickering
 
Box 7 FF 19 Correspondence from Harry G. Pickering to his mother, Mrs. H. W. Pickering. June 2, 1886.
Box 7 FF 20 H. G. Pickering's European trip costs.
Box 7 FF 21 H. G. Pickering -- Miscellaneous
Box 7 FF 22 Book labels of H. G. Pickering
     
Series 19 -- Other materials
     
Box 7 FF 23 Correspondence from B. H. Conant to Mrs. Kimbell concerning Lincoln's assassination. April 9-April 16, 1865.
Box 7 FF 24 Copy of a letter dealing with the Schley Affair in the Spanish-American War. June 26, 1898.
Box 7 FF 25 Summary primarily concerned with the Isthmias Canal Commission.
Box 7 FF 26 Isthmian Canal Commission. 1900-1905.
Box 7 FF 27 Miscellaneous letters concerning Naval matters.
Box 7 FF 28 Cabin plans of the U.S. Shenandoah.
Box 7 FF 29 Report against a fellow officer submitted to Lieutenant Commander Walker. March 3, 1866.
Box 7 FF 30 Newspaper clipping on the Alleged "Sabine Mutiny." September, 1869.
Box 7 FF 31 Letters concerning Naval pensions. 1879.
Box 7 FF 32 Congratulatory note to Walker on the assumption of the title Rear Admiral. 1889.
Box 7 FF 33 Letter to J. G. Walker dealing with the death of James Grimes. February 25, 1872.
Box 7 FF 34 Jesse James and the younger brothers -- Listing of contributions to trust fund for dependents of bank clerk killed in holdup. September, 1876.
Box 7 FF 35 Bills of Ladling.
Box 7 FF 36 Miscellaneous applications of employment to John G. Walker.
Box 7 FF 37 News clipping of "RAILROAD mismanagement of Chicago, Burlington and Quincy RAILROAD."
Box 7 FF 38 U.S. District Attorney to John Walker. March 1, 1878.
Box 7 FF 39 John Walker's lease for house in Boston. 1876-1877.
Box 7 FF 40 Rebecca Walker's wedding outfit inventory. 1860.
Box 7 FF 41 Rebecca Walker's Miscellaneous school work.
Box 7 FF 42 Eulogy of Rebecca Walker.
Box 8 FF 1 Recipes and home remedies.
Box 8 FF 2 Checks -- to John and Rebecca Walker.
Box 8 FF 3 Calling Cards
Box 8 FF 4 News clipping of "A Baby's Soliloquy."
Box 8 FF 5 Miscellaneous invitations to John Walker. 1876.
Box 8 FF 6 Invitations to various social functions. 1891.
Box 8 FF 7 Octavious Pickering's passport.
Box 8 FF 8 Passport for a member of the U. S. legislation to Italy. 1870.
Box 8 FF 9 Handbill advertising the "White Squadron" which was under Admiral Walker's command.
Box 8 FF 10 Maps.
Box 8 FF 11 Nathaniel Goddard's Last Will and Testament. 1738-1815.
Box 8 FF 12 Diary and penmanship books of Frances D. Goddard (Mrs. H. W. Pickering).
Box 8 FF 13 John Jenks Thomas account book.
Box 9 FF 1 Code book of John G. Walker. 1859.
Box 9 FF 2 Miscellaneous memorabilia.
Box 9 FF 3 Draft of biography of John Walker.
Box 9 FF 4 Diaries and account books of John G. Walker. 1881-1889.
Box 9 FF 5 Rough draft of biography of John G. Walker (longhand).
Box 9 FF 6 Miscellaneous
Box 9 FF 7 Photographs
Box 9 FF 8 Envelopes
Box 9 FF 9 Published book, Career of John Grimes Walker, U.S.N., 1835-1907, by Frances P. Thomas.
Box 10   Autograph or guest book of H. W. Pickering
Box 10   Envelopes